Diving in Jeddah
If you are looking for the best things to do in Jeddah and living a unique experience, sea diving in Jeddah will be the ideal solution for you. Saudi Arabia has some of the best diving destinations in the world, particularly in Jeddah. Diving is definitely one of the most enjoyable experiences you will have, as the beaches and islands in Jeddah are abundant with coral reefs and rare marine creatures that you can see and explore while diving. The Red Sea is home to around 20% of rare fish species, such as the Black Marlin, which can reach speeds of up to 109 km/h. There are also many famous shipwrecks to discover. This makes the Red Sea diving one of the most exciting dives ever.
Best Diving Spots in Jeddah
Sharm Obhur
Sharm Obhur is considered one of the top tourist attractions in Jeddah. It boasts a strategic location on the Red Sea coast, north of the city. The bay attracts a large number of tourists, as it’s filled with resorts, villas, chalets, hotels, restaurants, and all other facilities. The beach is known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters, making it the best destination for scuba diving in Jeddah.
Bayada Island
Bayada Island is famous as the Maldives of Saudi Arabia because of its stunning natural landscapes, blue waters, and coral reefs. It will be your ideal destination if you want to enjoy watching marine life and red sea scuba diving in Jeddah. No need to worry if you haven't dived before, as the waters around Bayada Island are shallow. After finishing your dive, you can relax on the boat and enjoy the breathtaking views.
El Laith Mountain Island
Located 200 kilometres south of Jeddah, Jabal Al-Leth Island is accessible by boat. It has many natural features that make it a favourite destination for jeddah scuba diving enthusiasts. It is known for the golden sand covering its beaches, diverse marine grasses, and colourful coral reefs. Its beaches are abundant and diverse in fish species and shrimp living in the coral reef environment. It is also home to whale sharks. Spring and the beginning of summer are the ideal times for diving.
Abu Tair Island
If you are looking for an exciting and adventurous diving trip, Abu Tair Island is the perfect choice. Located southwest of Jeddah, it is also known as the Shipwreck Island due to the wreckage of the famous Greek ship Staphonos. The ship sank in 1978 while carrying a full load of supplies. Now, you can enjoy seeing great whitetip sharks, goatfish, and blue-spotted rays, along with the shipwreck, during an exciting diving trip.
Shipwrecks in Abu Faramish
Embark on a thrilling diving trip and witness the wreckage of the Ann Ann Ship. The Abu Faramish area is about two hours away from Jeddah, and diving in this area is considered suitable for experienced divers only as the sinking of the ship in 1977 and the subsequent impacts have caused some parts to be disassembled and prone to collapse. Therefore, divers must have special qualifications to dive at wreck sites. During the dive, you can see various sections of the ship, such as the power supply room and cargo holds, which have become habitats for tuna and white sharks.
Best Time for Diving in Jeddah
The good climate of Jeddah makes it suitable for diving throughout the year, with water temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Expert divers recommend Jeddah diving in the late afternoon and enjoying the sunset view.
Diving courses in Jeddah
Diving courses in Jeddah offered by Ootlah: Learn basic and advanced diving skills at affordable prices with professional instructors ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Suitable for beginners and experienced divers, covering everything from basic techniques to exploring the Red Sea's stunning coral reefs
Types of Diving in Jeddah
One-Day Diving
This involves diving for a few hours on one of the beaches, which tourists often do during their vacation with a professional diver from one of Jeddah's diving centers.
Multi-Day Diving
Multi-day diving is more suitable for professional divers. They can dive multiple times in the same location, extend their diving time in a specific place, or explore multiple locations over several days.